As state officials make their case for gay marriage, a new Field Poll showed record support in California for same sex unions.

"By a nearly two-to-one margin (61% to 32%), California voters approve of allowing same-sex couples to marry," according to the poll. This represents a complete reversal in views about the issue from 1977, when the Field Poll conducted its first survey on the topic, and is the highest level of support ever measured by the poll.

The poll noted that in 1977 only 28% approved of gay marriage while 59% disapproved. In 2006, it had 44% approval and 50% disapproval.

On Wednesday, California’s top law enforcement officer told the U.S. Supreme Court that Proposition 8’s ban on same-sex marriage should be overturned because its sole purpose was to “strip loving relationships of validation and dignity under the law,” according to an amicus brief.